Australia Post has added 36 new Mercedes-Benz eVito electric vans to its delivery network, the first time the national postal service has trialled a fleet of electric vans at this scale.
The vans, which produce zero tailpipe emissions and whose stop-start efficiency is “ideally suited to busy delivery routes” will also be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity thanks to Australia Post’s existing network charging infrastructure.
“The introduction of electric vans is an important milestone in our fleet electrification and decarbonisation strategy,” said Richard Pittard, Australia Post’s chief sustainability officer.
Australia Post already has more than 5,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in operation across the country, but it said this will be its largest electric van trial to date.
“It’s a meaningful step forward as we continue building a modern, sustainable delivery network that meets the evolving needs of our customers while reducing our environmental impact,” Pittard said.
Australia Post will work closely with Mercedes-Benz to train team members and support the smooth introduction of the new eVito electric vans.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.